Skip to Content
  • time delivery images 2 Day Quick Delivery!
  • box-refresh images 365 Day Return Policy!
  • lovely images 15 million satisfied customers
  • boxes images Over 2.1 Million Parts In Stock
  • headphone imagesFree Tech Support!
  • google images Google Trusted Store

Customer Questions and Answers for Balance Ring by Whirlpool

4.89 (64)
By: Whirlpool
Part Number: OEM18026481
Manufacturer Part Number: WP387240

The Balance Ring is an OEM part for Whirlpool washing machines. This part maintains the stability of the washer drum during the spin cycle. It contains liquid that helps balance the load, minimizing vibrations and noise while ensuring smooth operation.

Causes of a bad balance ring can include general wear and tear, exposure to heavy or unbalanced loads, or physical damage.

Symptoms of a bad balance ring include:

  • Excessive shaking or vibrating during the spin cycle
  • Loud banging noises
  • Washer moving or walking during operation
  • Uneven or off-balance loads

This OEM Whirlpool part is also compatible with Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper and some Kenmore models.

More
$79.56
Compare At:
$94.68
You Save:
$15.12

IN STOCK
Ships Tomorrow Guaranteed
Add to Cart

Questions & Answers

For Whirlpool Balance Ring (Part Number: OEM18026481)

View all Questions

Jerry Rtw4640yq0 for Model Number RTW4640YQ0

Have a Roper RTW4640YQ0. At beginning of spin cycle , the insides bang against the cabinet and machine walks clockwise about 45 degrees on the floor as well as banging into adjacent wall and dryer. 1) Inspected 4 suspension rods as this thread suggests. Top hooks in to the swivel balls OK. Bottom springs look OK and seated in the plastic pockets of water tub.Appear matched in spring strength as tub is level. Passes the suggested test ( in this subject) of push one at a time ,all the way down & quickly release no excessive over travel. 2) Noted only 2 suspension rods on the right side have horizontal springs from water tub to suspension rods that were quite stretched out . Fitted all 4 rods with slightly stronger springs from hardware store. NO HELP. 3) Dynamic balance plastic ring on top of basket . W10238307 . As quickly rotate basket back & forth 45 degrees , hear slosh of fluid in ring. Sounds not very filled. Other forums say some types or designs have metal ball bearings or heavy oily fluids or freeze resistant fluids or interior baffles to retain fluid in place... *** This one seems audibly underfilled ? As the machine over some years did exhibit mild shaking but banging only became severe recently. Is it possible the fluid has evaporated slowly over time thru the obvious 3/8" diameter plug on the top of the ring ? I see in parts diagrams the ring is not called out as separate from the basket . Efforts to pull it off the basket only moves it 1/4 " at most . No obvious catches to release like the white ring above it . Searching for the part number is unsuccessful . I am considering drilling out the 3/8" plug , looking at fluid level and filling to perhaps 3/4 with diluted automotive antifreeze & sealing up hole with a new plug & RTV . I've read a LOT and watched many UTUBES . This forum has come the closest to an answer. However this ROPER ultra simple very clever design that uses only 4 suspension rods does not appear in most repair forums, where up to 12 different parts beyond the suspension rods are indicated as possible causes and fixes. Thanks in advance ! jerry RTW4640YQ0 2.11.2021

Answer

Jerry, The balance ring could be a cause but typically the fluid in it would not evaporate. It would be recommended to check the pulley on the bottom of the gearcase to make sure that the pulley is not loose and if it is put some Loctite on it to make sure that it does not loosen up again.

Read More...

Answered by AppliancePartsPros.com   |   Thursday, February 11, 2021

Have questions? Ask our pros!

Contact us in a way that is convenient for you

Call us 1-877-477-7278
Need Help? Chat with a Pro

Share your thoughts with other customers

Answer or comment
  • boxes images Over 2.1 Million Parts In Stock
  • time delivery images 2 Day Quick Delivery!
  • box-refresh images 365 Day Return Policy!
  • headphone imagesFree Tech Support!
  • google images Google Trusted Store